SERAP urges INEC to protect voters and address political violence ahead of Osun governorship election

SERAP emphasized that elections should not be held in an atmosphere of fear and urged INEC to identify, document, and publicly report incidents of political violence. The organization also recommended that INEC refer credible allegations of electoral violence to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for investigation and prosecution, ensuring victims have access to justice. SERAP noted that 56 politically related violent incidents and 14 fatalities have been recorded in Osun State over the past 12 months, with 36 incidents occurring in May and June alone, including shootings, killings, physical attacks, intimidation, destruction of property, and harassment.

SERAP further advised INEC to preserve evidence of widespread violence and, if it amounts to crimes within the International Criminal Court's jurisdiction, bring it to the attention of appropriate national and international accountability mechanisms. The organization stressed the importance of protecting constitutional rights to political participation, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, and equality throughout the electoral process, urging INEC to ensure security arrangements protect all stakeholders without political discriminatio